Brent Council axes parking shop in Willesden

A parking shop in Willesden will close permanently this month as the council continues its drive to move operations online.

Walm Lane Parking Shop in Willesden will close permanently from May 24 and residents will instead have to either go online or use the telephone to make parking queries.

Residents and drivers will be able to use the online system to; apply for their parking permits, arrange visitor parking, renew a residential permit or pay for a penalty charge online and will need to set up a parking account with the new system.

Scratchcards for visitor parking are being replaced with electronic visitor parking sessions but existing cards will be on sale until the closure of the shop and remain valid until October 31.

The system has been fully operational since February this year.

It is claimed the cost-saving move will not result in redundancies as residents without internet access can still make queries over the phone.

The borough’s other parking shop in Pyramid House, in Fourth Way, Wembley closed in February.

According to Cllr Jim Moher, lead member for highways and transportation at the council the move will be more convenient for residents.

He said: “Many residents now want the convenience of being able to arrange parking for a visitor online or on the phone, rather than have to wait or queue up in a parking shop.

“Park Online allows you to apply for their parking permits, arrange visitor parking, renew a residential permit or pay for a penalty without having to leave home, so there is no need to visit a parking shop.”

Cllr Moher added: “I understand that not everyone has a computer or uses the internet which is why we’ve made sure that visitor parking and all products can be arranged by phone.”

The usual opening hours of Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm except Bank Holidays will continue until closure.

To set up a Park Online account or buy a product visit www.brent.gov.uk/parking or to use the new system by phone call 020 8937 4972.

What do you think about the closures? Let us know; email max.walters@archant.co.uk